Agency: Alabama A&M University
Location: University campus is in Huntsville, AL; housing arrangements and
fieldwork will be
based in William B. Bankhead National Forest
Job Category: Temporary/seasonal position
Website: http://www.aamu.edu/academics/alns/bes/centers/pages/cfeaintro.aspx
Start Date: 15 August 2016
Last date to apply: 9 August 2016
Estimated salary: $1200/month
Description:
This study, originally implemented in 2004, examines the responses of a
herpetofaunal
community to various burning and thinning treatments of mixed pine-hardwood
forest. Hired
field intern-technicians will mainly be responsible for assisting the sampling
of amphibians and
reptiles in treatment forest stands. Intern-technicians will help to monitor
drift fence-box trap
arrays within each stand for animal captures, and will need to properly
identify, process for
morphometric data, mark, and release said individuals. Vehicles will be
available for transport
between stands, but up to 300 m of walking over uneven terrain may be necessary
to reach
each trap array. Trap surveys will generally occur 5 days per week and require
about 7 hours
to complete. A 2-3 week period during the activity season will be allocated to
the completion
of habitat surveys at each stand. Intern-technicians will be responsible for
the transcription of
trap survey data into an MS Excel spreadsheet.
In addition to trap surveys, hired intern-technicians will be expected to
assist in a
radiotelemetry study of female Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and their
offspring. This
study will examine three life history stages integral to neonatal ecology.
Adult locations will be
determined every 3-4 days, whereas neonates will require daily pinpointing.
Data entry will be
the intern-technicians’ responsibility. Additional habitat surveys of activity
season habitat and
overwintering sites of all age and reproductive classes will be necessary.
Field housing in the form of USDA/USFS trailers will be provided at one of
BNF’s work centers.
The trailers have the necessary plumbing and electricity, but cellphone
reception and internet
are unavailable. All necessary field equipment will be provided.
Trap surveys will end on 31 October, but other field season
responsibilities will continue
until snakes enter hibernation. Tentative fieldwork end date is 18 November.
Interested applicants should email a single .pdf document including a
CV/resume, statement
of interest, and a list of three references to the contact email listed below.
Qualifications:
- Completed B.S. in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Ecology,
Zoology, or a
related discipline.
- Able to identify southeastern amphibians and reptiles to species.
- Must have experience handling and processing venomous snake species with a
hook and
tubes.
- Prior radiotelemetry experience is highly preferred, but not required.
- Able to work effectively on a team or independently and with minimal
supervision.
- Able to write legibly and keep detailed field notes.
- Willingness to work on a flexible schedule that will include early
mornings/evenings, and
weekends.
- Able to work long hours on foot and in adverse weather conditions.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive over rough terrain.
Contact person: Iwo Gross
Contact email: [email protected]
